From sushi speakeasies to sumptuous hotel suites, Nob Hill boasts countless luxury offerings to explore.
Outstanding views abound at the Fairmont San Francisco
Cocotte
Sancerre native Michael Audry forgoes haute French touches in favor of more rustic fare. This focus brings sharp takes on beef Wellington and other classics, among them an educational coq au vin that makes you think, “Ah, so this is how it’s supposed to taste.” With a rotisserie flickering in the kitchen and streetcars rumbling, the place abounds with old-world charm. 1521 Hyde St., 415.292.4415, cocottesf.com
Friends Only
Half R+D kitchen and half sushi speakeasy, Friends Only is a 10-seat omakase bar in Nob Hill from chef Rat Lee. The ever-changing tasting menu spotlights high-quality, seasonal ingredients in seriously swanky environs. 1501 California St., @friendsonlysf
Liholiho Yacht Club
Outfitted with bright yellow tiles and an enormous photo of a beautiful damsel, this restaurant from chef Ravi Kapur and the Nopa team is a puddle of sunshine on Sutter Street. The Hawaiian-accented food includes tuna poke—the bracingly fresh fish strewn over a crisp nori cracker. 3560 18th St., 415.440.5446, lycsf.com
Travel like a king with the Fairmont San Francisco’s luxurious penthouse suite.
Acquerello
Refined luxury comes with a side of traditional countryside charm at this fine dining venue. Two Michelin stars and a few generations later, the contemporary Italian hot spot is still a must for romantics and food lovers alike. 1722 Sacramento St., 415.567.5432, acquerellosf.com
Nob Hill Cafe
Authentic Tuscan cuisine is on tap at the family-owned Nob Hill Cafe, just minutes from the iconic Cable Car Museum. Nosh on fresh pasta and pizza at the no-fuss eatery. Pro tip: The outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching. 1152 Taylor St., 415.776.6500
Sorella
Pasta is the star at Sorella, a casual Italian spot by the team behind Acquerello. Standout dishes include squid ink linguini with lobster, potato gnocchi with duck bolognese and short rib agnolotti. Head to the bar for craft cocktails and cicchetti (Venetian bar snacks) like cacio e pepe potato chips, oysters, anchovy toast and more. 1760 Polk St., 415.359.1212, sorellasf.com
Hawaiian-inspired fare delights at Liholiho Yacht Club
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
This is among the most perfect staycation spots in the city. It’s hard to go wrong with The Ritz. Steps away from bustling Union Square, the premier hotel houses 336 luxury suites and guest rooms, a chic cocktail lounge and the Bay Area’s only Krigler perfume shop. 600 Stockton St., 415.296.7465, ritzcarlton.com
Fairmont San Francisco
Boasting 606 distinctly furnished rooms and 62 elegant suites, the notable Fairmont San Francisco features unrivaled panoramic city views and a dignified ambiance. 950 Mason St., 415.772.5000, fairmont.com/san-francisco
Intercontinental Mark
Hopkins San Francisco Sitting atop Nob Hill, the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is rife with historical elegance and opulent amenities. Expect grand architecture, sumptuous top-floor suites with sweeping city views and knowledgeable concierges that craft top-tier itineraries. 999 California St., 415.392.3434, sfmarkhopkins.com
Quirky treasures abound at Picnic.
NOOK
NOOK hits the spot for a cozy spot to grab a drink and watch the cable cars. Established in 2005, the neighborhood hand serves up coffee, wine, beer and bites in laid-back, homey environs. 1500 Hyde St., 415.447.4100, @nooksf
Grace Cathedral Labyrinth
Indoor and outdoor labyrinths at Grace Cathedral provide the perfect walking meditation to calm the mind, reflect and enjoy peace. The cathedral also hosts monthly candlelit walks with live music and weekly yoga. 1100 California St., 415.749.6300, gracecathedral.org
Peruse racks of vintage designer finds at ReLove.
Picnic
This one-stop shop on Polk Street has it all. From silk-screened onesies to quirky framed prints and knickknacks, finding your next favorite treasure is practically guaranteed. 1808 Polk St., 415.346.6556, picnicsf.com
Terrasol
Browse a whimsically curated selection of gifts at Terrasol, from candles and jewelry to Latin American folk art, holiday items and more. 1526 California St., 415.290.8875
Settle into the sultry lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.
Kayo Books
Kayo Books offers rare and out-of-print titles, particularly vintage pulp fiction and nonfiction, cartoons, comics and magazines. The store has been around since 1996; nowadays, business hours vary, and an appointment is your best bet. 814 Post St., 415.749.0554, kayobooks.com
ReLove
Shop chic styles at ReLove, a resale boutique showcasing a stunning selection of new and used luxury clothing. Expect a hand-selected assortment of vintage, designer and independent labels—think Dries Van Noten, Ferragamo, Prada, Comme Des Garcons and more. 1815 Polk St., 415.800.8285, shoprelove.com
Argonaut Book Shop
Since 1941, Argonaut Book Shop has specialized in the history of California and the American West. Peruse rare photos, maps, reference volumes and early prints from the 15th to 19th centuries. 786 Sutter St., 415.474.9067, argonautcookshop.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; RASAMI STORM; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND
